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Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs are failing to deliver sustainable outcomes, highlighting the urgent need for a shift towards long-term accountability to users, according to an international study published in BMJ Global Health.
Dr. Dani Barrington, from The University of Western Australia’s School of Population and Global Health, led the study, which examined the systemic challenges preventing the long-term success of WASH initiatives.
Short-Term Focus Leads to Long-Term Failures
The study found that approximately 1.4 million people die each year from infections caused by a lack of access to safe WASH. Additionally, poor WASH conditions contribute to mental health struggles, particularly linked to water insecurity and period poverty.
Researchers conducted interviews with 108 field-based WASH professionals from Malawi, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. Participants included representatives from local private, public, non-governmental, and academic organizations involved in WASH implementation.
Dr. Barrington explained that one of the key findings was the lack of consideration for users’ needs in program design and execution. Additionally, local water utilities and intended users often receive little to no support once the project period ends, exacerbating sustainability issues.
Challenges in Implementation and Accountability
A primary reason for program failures, according to the study, is that funders typically implement short-term projects without long-term accountability to the beneficiaries. Political and bureaucratic roadblocks further hinder progress, and populism often results in projects that are politically favorable but not necessarily effective.
Dr. Barrington emphasized the need for better coordination and open discussions about failures within the sector. “We need to create cross-organizational platforms to discuss challenges and failures, improve coordination, change the role of funders to encourage flexibility in planning, and encourage openness by mandating reporting,” she said.
Moreover, the study pointed out that unrealistic funder expectations, coupled with a competitive funding environment, lead organizations to overpromise on activities and timelines while being reluctant to acknowledge problems.
Call for Sustainable Solutions
Researchers concluded that for WASH programming to be truly sustainable, there must be a shift from short-term projects to long-term, user-focused support. This requires not only rethinking funding models but also ensuring continued assistance for local implementers and users beyond the initial project timeframe.
The study, titled The Persistence of Failure in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Programming: A Qualitative Study, was published in BMJ Global Health in 2025.
Disclaimer: This article is based on findings from a published study and aims to provide insights into the challenges facing WASH programs. The opinions and recommendations expressed are those of the researchers and do not necessarily reflect the views of all stakeholders in the field.
